Lotsa options on tap for FRIDAY (the 6th): welcome back BROADCASTER, headlining an early show at PVD Social Club along with 75orLess Records friends SOMA NOVA and SUICIDE BILL (7pm, 401.454.7177), then scoot over to Machine With Magnets in Pawtucket and check out WHORE PAINT joining Brooklyn acts EXTRA LIFE and CALLERS (401.475.2655 ). Local 121 serves up a serious case of the blues with NYC's BROWNBIRD RUDY RELIC, plus ORB MELLON, ELLIOTT SUSSMAN, and TYLER JAMES of the Silks (all-ages), and head back there SATURDAY (the 7th) for an indie-folk lineup featuring VUDU SISTER (be on the lookout for their new album, Bastard Children), Newport's CASTLE, GILL MOSS, and LARCENIST (21+); call 401.274.2121 for info on both shows. A solid weekend at Firehouse 13 (401.270.1801) kicks off Friday with a slew of local rap acts including BIG RUSH, DIRTY-DURDIE, REZIZTANZE, MILL CITY, and many more; then prepare for a full-on Newport invasion at FH 13 on Saturday with THE DIEPODS (welcome back), BENNY SIZZLER, and WE OWN LAND. Saturday in Providence rocks on with THE THROTTLES at Nick-a-Nee's (no cover, 401.861.7290), SANTA MAMBA and THE FOLKADELICS play the Spot Underground (401.383.7133), or head to Roots Café (401.272.7422) for MARK CUTLER & MEN OF GREAT COURAGE's return to action. And in Cumberland veteran Rhody entertainers SUPERCHIEF TRIO (all five of 'em) celebrate the release of their new disc, Magnetic, at the Blackstone River Theatre ($12 day of show, 401.725.9272). Fête is the place to be on TUESDAY (the 10th) for a $3 monster show with VILLAINER, PARTY PIGS, and LUNGLUST, then join us there WEDNESDAY (the 11th) for our 15th annual BEST awards show — free eats and free entry, and musical guests (starting at 7 pm). Then shoot over to the Met (401.729.1005) for Scottish indie rock lads WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS (yes!) with Bad Veins and New Cassettes supporting. See you there. And next THURSDAY (the 12th) check out 2012 Warped Tour act Cold Forty Three at the Whiskey Republic; call 401.588.5158 for details.

FROM CACTUS ATTACK TO SNOW PLOWS | March 06, 2013 Last call for three good gigs going down on THURSDAY (the 7th): the DENNIS McCARTHY BAND visits Nick-a-Nee's (21+ and no cover, 401.861.7290).

COURAGEOUS MEN AND MIGHTY GOOD BOYS | February 20, 2013 On THURSDAY (the 21st) it's last call for local singer/songwriters IAN FITZGERALD and lovely songbird ALLYSEN CALLERY at Aldrich House (110 Benevolent St., PVD), while HOPE ANCHOR (75orLess Records) plays the Parlour on North Main St (formerly the Penalty Box, 401.383.5858).

MARDI GRAS IN O’VILLE! | February 06, 2013 Sorry to report the Detroit Rebellion show at Chilango's slated for THURSDAY (the 7th) has been rescheduled for March 14, but fear not, for the Roots Café (401.272.7422) hosts THE CAN'T NOTS with VERTICAL TWIN and PVD newcomers LOCAL LIGHTS tonight, while FALL & BOUNCE, SEXCOFFEE, and NYMPHIDELS visit Firehouse 13 ($5, 401.270.1801).